Community hub to open in time for Christmas

Works have been completed to convert an old unused school into a much-needed community hub.

Following the closure of Ysgol Bryneglwys in 2014, a group of volunteers from the village came together to ensure that a once valuable community asset could become integral to the community again.

The group of residents formed Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) and obtained a charity status in April 2020, with the aim to convert the old school to a much-needed community hub. 

On the 19th of January 2023, Denbighshire Council received confirmation that they had secured £10.95m from the UK Government for the former Clwyd West constituency to support the development of 10 projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing and rural communities.

This project was one of the 10 included within the Council’s application to UK Government, and as a result Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) received £327,000 of this UK Government funding to renovate the former village school and secured a further £65,000 from the Clocaenog Windfarm Fund towards the project.

Having secured funding for the project, the CCIA appointed Adever Construction to undertake the improvement works.

The works included removing existing asbestos within the building, conducting clean air tests and rendering the exterior of the building, with the idea of converting the old school into a community hub with a café that also has space to host future community events for the residents of Bryneglwys.

Pat Downes, Chair of Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) said:

“Cymdeithas Canolfan Ial Association (CCIA) was formed as a one issue charity to turn the old school into a much-needed community hub. It has been a lot of hard work and so many people have helped us over the years. There has been a real team effort around this project.

“It’s an exciting time, not just for CCIA, but for the whole village who have been looking forward to having this amenity. The opening of the community hub here in Bryneglwys will offer an opportunity for residents to get together on a regular basis in the new café, and we will now be able to provide a space to host events such as concerts. The community hub will also be available to hire for private functions”.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said:

“It is exciting that Denbighshire County Council has been able to support this community to achieve their aspirations. Hubs such as these play a vital role in bringing the residents together and we are delighted that works have been completed just in time for Christmas!

“I would like to thank the CCIA and the local member, Councillor Hugh Evans, who have worked tirelessly throughout this process to ensure that the residents of Bryneglwys have a dedicated space to gather as a community”.